Official MLBlog of the Kansas City Royals front office.

Ned Yost media session: July 24

Before wrapping a three game series vs. the Tampa Bay Rays with today’s 1:10 finale, Royals manager Ned Yost praised outfielder Mitch Maier for his versatility in the outfield. Maier will be starting in right field in today’s contest and batting fifth in the lineup.

“He’s [Maier] good at all three. He works all three in pregame drills. He’s good in center, he’s good in right, he’s good in left, I don’t hesitate to put him anywhere,” Yost said.

When it comes to rookies, the Royals and Rays are familiar with a young roster for the 2011 season. The Rays have used 13 different rookies this season and both squad’s contain eight active rookies on their roster. Yost commented on the importance of youth on both squads and the wave of talent that comes through each season.

“It usually is a sign of promise for your organization,” Yost said. “That’s what Dayton [Moore] is doing here is setting up those waves coming up here and the first wave of the young talent is here now.”

Right handed starter Felipe Paulino will be taking the mound today facing up against Tampa Bay’s right hander Alex Cobb. Yost explained that he feels comfortable with the Royals six man rotation for starting pitching and is confident in Paulino’s endurance despite his high pitch counts. The Royals will be looking to sweep the three game series vs. the Rays today and will hit the road for a four game series at Fenway Park vs. the Boston Red Sox starting with tomorrow’s 6:10 (CT) contest.

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